How does Good Shepherd Lutheran Church handle first communion and confirmation of youth?
Holy Communion is one of two sacraments in the church. Believing that Holy Communion is a meal that imparts God’s grace to the participant, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church doesn’t want any child to ever feel separated from the grace of God received at the Altar. We offer communion to any child who is able to eat solid food, in line with ELCA provisions. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church invites families to bring all children to the Communion table. The child, his/her parents, and the pastor assess the readiness of the child to receive communion. Another passage in the life of youth is the move from youth to adulthood in the church, a program we call confirmation. The program leading toward confirmation lasts for 4 years. The first three involve classroom work. The last is a mentoring year during which each youth meets with an approved adult, who is a mature role model for their Christian faith walk, for conversations about a variety of faith issues.
